Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of The Eagle Online publisher, Dotun Oladipo, as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry.
Oladipo, who was also the Managing Editor and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited, died suddenly at the age of 56.
In a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described the late journalist as a “cerebral and prolific writer” whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s online journalism landscape.
The governor condoled with Oladipo’s family, management and staff of The Eagle Online, as well as professional bodies including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and Nigeria Guild of Editors.
Sanwo-Olu said Oladipo’s death was a significant loss to the country, noting that the journalist made lasting contributions to journalism through his pioneering work in digital media.
He said, “The death of one of Nigeria’s prolific journalists, writers and media entrepreneurs, Mr. Dotun Oladipo, is a significant loss to the media industry and Nigeria, as well as his family and friends.”
The governor recalled his personal interactions with Oladipo, describing him as brilliant, calm and professional in his engagements with public officials and colleagues.
Sanwo-Olu particularly remembered Oladipo’s presentation of issues on behalf of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers during one of their engagements, saying his ability to articulate his position commanded attention.
He also described the deceased as a devoted husband and father who touched many lives through his journalism career.
According to the governor, Oladipo’s legacy should provide some comfort to his family, friends and colleagues despite the circumstances of his death.
“Dotun’s sudden death is shocking and painful, but we should find solace in the modest achievements of the late Publisher,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor urged the bereaved family and members of the journalism community to draw strength from Oladipo’s contributions to the profession and his impact during his lifetime.
He prayed that God would grant the Oladipo family, friends and colleagues the strength to cope with the loss.
